New pet support program for families in poverty

Helping low-income dog and cat parents access free vet care, food, and support to keep animals and families together.

Approximately 20 million dogs and cats in the US are experiencing poverty with their human families. Millions more are hovering just above the poverty line. A shocking 70% of these animals have never seen a veterinarian, as their families struggle to afford basic necessities. 

In early November, Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States) launched Pets for Life (PFL), a new pet support program for families in poverty. This is in addition to their year-round distribution of pet food and supplies to under-served areas around the country. 

PFL addresses the systemic challenges that people and companion animals experiencing poverty face. It addresses inequity and lack of access to resources through door-to-door outreach and support services. PFL provides veterinary care, supplies, services and information at no cost to dog and cat parents living in poverty.

Pets for Life has two core programs in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. It also has over 60 dedicated local partner programs on the ground across the US. To date, they have provided essential veterinary services and resources to nearly 400,000 companion animals. These services include spay/neuter, wellness care, and vaccines, at no cost to the families.   

The program has also provided more than $117 million in pet food and supplies, both to its 60+ locations as well as over 300 under-served communities. 

“Over the last few years, costs of veterinary care and pet food/supplies have surpassed overall inflation, increasing more than 40% and 20% respectively,” says Amanda Arrington, VP of Access to Care for Humane World for Animals. 

“No one should be in the impossible situation of choosing between feeding themselves, their family or their animals. Through Pets for Life we do all we can to support families.”

“During times of economic strain, shelters see an uptick in surrenders and a decrease in adoptions,” adds Lindsay Hamrick, director of shelter outreach and engagement for Humane World for Animals. “It’s heartbreaking for families forced to make these difficult choices. And it creates a challenge for shelters and rescues. 

“The best possible outcome is making it possible to keep animals with their families. [Pets for Life does this] by providing resources to ensure veterinary care and food is accessible even during hard times.”  

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